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  • Can You Bring Playing Cards on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows playing cards in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ✈️ Standard decks, collectible cards, and trading cards are all permitted.
    ⚠️ Large collections may be inspected more closely at security.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Standard decks of cards (poker, Uno, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, etc.) are allowed.
    • TSA does not restrict quantity.
    • Dense stacks of trading cards may be pulled aside for manual inspection.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Playing cards are also permitted.
    • Risk: valuable collectible cards should stay in carry-on for safety.
    • Entertainment use:
    • Great option for in-flight games with family and friends.
    • International flights:
    • No restrictions, but sealed booster boxes may be flagged as merchandise by customs.

    TSA Playing Card Rules Summary

    Card TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Standard playing cards✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Uno / card games✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Collectible / trading cards✅ Allowed (may be inspected)✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ X-ray confusion: Dense card decks can appear as solid blocks and trigger bag checks.
    • ✈️ Valuables: Rare or collectible cards are safer in carry-on than checked luggage.
    • ✈️ Customs: Large sealed shipments of trading cards may look like commercial imports.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Keep cards organized in small travel boxes or sleeves.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Board Games on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows board games, card games, and travel games in both carry-on and checked bags.
    ✈️ Games with lots of pieces may be inspected more closely at security.
    ⚠️ Electronic board games must follow battery rules.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Board games (Monopoly, Catan, Scrabble, Uno, etc.) are permitted.
    • Loose game pieces may trigger extra screening, especially dice or metal tokens.
    • Card decks are unrestricted.
    • Electronic games with batteries must follow TSA’s lithium battery guidelines.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Board games are allowed in any amount.
    • Pack carefully to avoid box crushing or lost pieces.
    • Travel versions:
    • Compact travel games are ideal for in-flight entertainment.
    • International flights:
    • No special restrictions, but new, sealed board games may be flagged as merchandise.

    TSA Board Game Rules Summary

    Game TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Classic board games (boxed)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Card games (Uno, Poker)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Loose dice / tokens✅ Allowed (may be inspected)✅ Allowed
    Electronic board games✅ Allowed (battery rules)✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ X-ray confusion: Dense game boxes may be opened for inspection.
    • ✈️ Battery-powered games: Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on, not checked.
    • ✈️ Mess risk: Loose pieces can scatter if boxes open — tape or zip-bag them.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Bring compact travel-size versions to play in-flight.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring Lego on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows Lego bricks, sets, and toys in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ✈️ Loose Lego pieces may be inspected more closely at security.
    ⚠️ Large sets with electronic components (motors, batteries) must follow battery rules.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Lego sets, mini-figures, and loose bricks are permitted.
    • TSA may inspect bags with large amounts of Lego due to density on x-ray.
    • Lego with electronic motors or lights powered by batteries must follow the lithium battery rules.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Lego is allowed in any amount.
    • Pack securely to avoid pieces spilling.
    • Kids traveling with Lego:
    • Great option for in-flight entertainment.
    • Small kits or pre-packed bags of Lego work best for flights.
    • International flights:
    • No special restrictions, though customs may check brand-new, boxed Lego sets as merchandise.

    TSA Lego Rules Summary

    Lego Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Loose Lego bricks✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Lego sets (boxed or built)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Lego with battery-powered motor✅ Allowed (battery rules apply)✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ X-ray confusion: Large amounts of Lego may trigger a manual bag search.
    • ✈️ Battery rules: Lithium batteries for Lego motors/lights must be in carry-on, not checked.
    • ✈️ Mess risk: Loose Lego pieces can spill everywhere — use zip bags.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Bring a small travel kit for kids to play with on flights.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Toy Sword or Lightsaber on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows toy swords and lightsabers in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ Realistic-looking swords are not allowed in carry-on (they must be checked).
    ✅ Lightsabers (including replicas from Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge) are explicitly allowed by TSA.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Toy swords, foam swords, and plastic sabers are permitted.
    • TSA officially lists lightsabers as allowed.
    • If a toy sword looks realistic or has a sharp edge, it may be confiscated.
    • Checked luggage:
    • All toy swords and lightsabers are allowed.
    • Pack securely to avoid breaking delicate replicas.
    • Replica swords (metal):
    • Must go in checked luggage.
    • TSA does not allow realistic blades in carry-on.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries restrict toy weapons, even lightsabers, but most permit them if clearly toys.

    TSA Toy Sword & Lightsaber Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Foam / plastic toy sword✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Lightsaber (Disney / replica)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Realistic-looking toy sword❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Metal sword (replica or real)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ TSA has fun with lightsabers: Official TSA site jokes, “Unfortunately, the technology doesn’t currently exist.”
    • ✈️ Realistic toy swords: Even if marketed as a toy, realistic props are not allowed in carry-on.
    • ✈️ Fragile replicas: High-end lightsabers should be hand-carried in a case or checked with padding.
    • ✈️ Theme park souvenirs: Disney lightsabers are allowed in carry-on and checked — TSA confirms it.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Cap Gun on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ⚠️ TSA allows cap guns in both carry-on and checked luggage — but if the toy looks realistic, it may be confiscated.
    ✅ Caps (ammunition) are also permitted, since they are not live explosives.
    ⚠️ Toy guns resembling real firearms are always risky in carry-on.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Cap guns are permitted, but TSA officers may flag them if they resemble a firearm.
    • Brightly colored or clearly toy-like versions pass more easily.
    • Caps (small paper/plastic rolls or ring caps) are allowed but may be inspected.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Cap guns and caps are allowed.
    • Safer to pack here if the toy is realistic-looking.
    • Replica rule:
    • Realistic replicas of firearms (including cap guns) are treated as restricted and can be confiscated.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries ban importing toy guns that look real, even if harmless.

    TSA Cap Gun Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Bright toy cap gun✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Realistic-looking cap gun⚠️ May be confiscated✅ Allowed
    Cap ammunition (toy caps)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Appearance matters: If a cap gun looks like a real firearm, it will likely be taken.
    • ✈️ Noise concern: TSA may test or question cap ammunition since it makes small pops.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Pack cap guns in checked luggage to avoid delays.
    • ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries strictly ban toy guns of any kind.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Water Gun on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows water guns, squirt guns, and Super Soakers in both carry-on and checked bags — but they must be empty.
    ⚠️ Realistic-looking toy guns may be flagged or confiscated.
    ✅ Empty water gun tanks are fine through security, but full ones are prohibited.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Water guns are allowed if completely empty of liquid.
    • TSA may inspect them to confirm they are toys.
    • If the toy resembles a real firearm, it may be confiscated.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Water guns are permitted in any size.
    • Tanks must be empty before packing.
    • Ammo (water):
    • Full water reservoirs are not permitted in carry-on due to the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
    • You can refill after passing security.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries restrict realistic-looking toy guns. Brightly colored water guns are usually fine.

    TSA Water Gun Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Bright toy water gun (empty)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Bright toy water gun (full)❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed
    Realistic-looking water gun⚠️ May be confiscated✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Must be empty: TSA won’t allow a water gun with liquid inside.
    • ✈️ Appearance matters: Bright, colorful toys pass easily; realistic toy guns risk confiscation.
    • ✈️ Security inspection: Agents may swab or test large toys.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Empty before security, refill after boarding.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Nerf Gun on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows Nerf guns and other foam blasters in both carry-on and checked bags.
    ⚠️ However, if the toy looks realistic, it may be flagged and confiscated.
    ✅ Nerf darts and foam ammo are also permitted.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Nerf blasters and similar toy foam guns are allowed.
    • TSA may inspect them if they resemble real firearms.
    • Foam darts, balls, and other toy ammo are permitted with no quantity limits.
    • Checked luggage:
    • All Nerf toys are permitted.
    • Pack securely to prevent damage.
    • Replica concerns:
    • If a Nerf or toy blaster looks too realistic (black paint jobs, mods), TSA may confiscate it.
    • International flights:
    • Customs rules vary. Some countries ban toy guns that resemble real firearms, even if they shoot foam darts.

    TSA Nerf Gun Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Nerf blaster (bright toy)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Nerf blaster (realistic look)⚠️ May be confiscated✅ Allowed
    Foam darts / ammo✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Appearance matters: Bright-colored Nerf toys are fine, but realistic mods may be seized.
    • ✈️ Security delays: TSA may inspect toy guns during screening.
    • ✈️ International travel: Some countries classify toy guns as restricted imports.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Keep Nerf toys in their original bright colors to avoid issues.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Pellet Gun on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ❌ No. TSA prohibits pellet guns in carry-on luggage.
    ✅ They are allowed in checked luggage, but must follow firearm rules:

    • Must be unloaded.
    • Must be in a locked, hard-sided case.
    • Must be declared to the airline at check-in.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Pellet guns are banned in cabins.
    • TSA treats them as firearms due to their realistic appearance and firing capability.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Pellet guns are permitted if:
      • Unloaded.
      • Locked in a hard-sided case.
      • Declared to the airline at the ticket counter.
    • Ammunition (pellets):
    • Allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
    • CO₂ cartridges must be empty — full ones are prohibited.
    • International flights:
    • Many countries classify pellet guns as firearms, requiring permits or banning import.

    TSA Pellet Gun Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Pellet gun (any type)❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed (declared, locked case)
    Pellets (ammo)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    CO₂ cartridges (full)❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed
    CO₂ cartridges (empty)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Declaration required: Pellet guns must be declared like real firearms.
    • ✈️ Locked case rule: TSA requires hard-sided locked cases for pellet guns.
    • ✈️ Ammo rules: Pellets are fine, but CO₂ tanks must be empty.
    • ✈️ Customs: Some countries ban pellet guns entirely or require special permits.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring BBs or Paintballs on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ✅ Yes. TSA allows BBs and paintballs in both carry-on and checked luggage.
    ⚠️ CO₂ cartridges for airsoft/paintball guns must be empty (or not allowed if full).
    ✈️ BBs are considered ammo but allowed since they are non-explosive.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • BBs (metal or plastic) are permitted in any quantity.
    • Paintballs are also permitted but fragile — keep in padded containers.
    • Full CO₂ cartridges are prohibited; only empty ones may pass.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Both BBs and paintballs are allowed.
    • Pack paintballs carefully to prevent breakage and leaks.
    • International flights:
    • Some countries restrict importing airsoft/paintball ammo, so declare if unsure.

    TSA BB & Paintball Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    BBs (metal/plastic)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    Paintballs✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    CO₂ cartridge (full)❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed
    CO₂ cartridge (empty)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ CO₂ rule: BBs and paintballs are fine, but CO₂ cartridges must be empty.
    • ✈️ Paintball fragility: In checked bags, they can burst under pressure — double-bag them.
    • ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries classify BBs and paintballs as ammo — import may be restricted.
    • ✈️ Best practice: Carry BBs/paintballs in sealed containers or buy at your destination.

    Sources

  • Can You Bring a Paintball Gun on a Plane? (TSA & Airline Rules — 2025)

    Quick Answer
    ❌ No. TSA prohibits paintball guns in carry-on luggage.
    ✅ They are allowed in checked luggage.
    ⚠️ CO₂ or compressed air tanks must be completely empty before flying.

    Details

    • Carry-on:
    • Paintball guns, markers, and related parts are not allowed.
    • Treated as firearm replicas.
    • Checked luggage:
    • Paintball markers are permitted.
    • Must be unloaded and packed securely.
    • CO₂/compressed air tanks are allowed only if the regulator is removed and the tank is visibly empty.
    • Protective gear:
    • Masks, pads, and uniforms are fine in carry-on or checked.
    • Ammunition (paintballs):
    • Paintballs are fragile but permitted in both carry-on and checked.
    • Best to pack in padded containers to prevent breakage.
    • International flights:
    • Customs may restrict importing paintball markers or CO₂ tanks.

    TSA Paintball Gun Rules Summary

    Item TypeCarry-OnChecked
    Paintball gun / marker❌ Not allowed✅ Allowed
    Paintballs✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    CO₂ / compressed air tank (empty, regulator removed)✅ Allowed✅ Allowed
    CO₂ / compressed air tank (full)❌ Not allowed❌ Not allowed

    Gotchas / Common Issues

    • ✈️ Tanks must be empty: Full CO₂ or compressed air tanks are strictly prohibited.
    • ✈️ Replica issue: Paintball guns look like firearms, so TSA bans them from cabins.
    • ✈️ Paintball breakage: Keep paintballs cushioned to prevent leaks in bags.
    • ✈️ Customs restrictions: Some countries ban paintball guns entirely or classify them as firearms.

    Sources